Perdue, religious leaders to pray for rain

Governor Perdue has invited religious leaders from across the state to attend an interdenominational prayer service on Tuesday. Prominent religious leaders of all faiths are invited to join together in support of the ecumenical prayer for rain.

Rabbi Ilan Feldman of the Atlanta Rabbinical Association, one of the groups invited, says daily Jewish prayers for rain emphasize good stewardship:

“There's no question that our understanding of God's message to us is, that we are responsible for the world that he has created; that he wants us to be partners with him in managing it, and in maintaining it, and that we relate to the world with a sense of responsibility and sense of treasure. When there is a drought, Jewish tradition calls for an increased focus on the request for rain.”

The ceremony will take place at noon outside the capitol - unless it rains.

Click here for more GPB News coverage of the drought.

It's "pray for rain" day

Governor Sonny Perdue is asking the federal government to declare many drought-stricken Georgia counties disaster areas. In the meantime, he wants people around the state to pray for rain.

The governor proclaimed Monday a statewide Day of Prayer for Agriculture. All but 15 of the state’s 159 counties are experiencing severe or extreme drought conditions.

Farmers are putting off planting many crops because the soil is too dry. Cattle and dairy producers are struggling to feed their herds. Many are being forced to sell their animals.

On Monday Governor Perdue met with farmers in Macon and asked everyone to get pray for rain. He told the crowd, “Folks I’m here to tell you that we don’t need the Governor’s help, we need God’s help.”

The governor is seeking Federal help as well. On Friday, Perdue asked the United States Department of Agriculture to begin the process of declaring eligible counties disaster areas.